The Cats Administration at the tim tried to get Stephen Michael to Geelong back in 1980-1981-1982. He was dominating the WAFL league whilst playing under Mal Brown at South Fremantle. I recalled a rumour that during one meeting the Cats hierachy gave Stephen Michael a bag of money at the Ambassdor Hotel (Now Mercure Hotel in Gheringhap St) and he took it!!
He would have been a handy player at Geelong in 1981. We would have won the flag in 1981 with Gary Sidebottom, Brian Peake and Stephen Michael in the side.
Back then, there was a lot of internal tension within the playing group. Everyone was worried about themselves. Michael Turner was peeved off when the Cats made Brian Peake captain in 1982.
And, Billy Goggin made the wrong call when he did not get McGuiness to the Cattery.
To all of you young bloggers, back in the early 80s, we were a basket case of a football club. Goggin got the sack and Hafey was appointed as coach. At the end of 1983, Billy Goggin was appointed Director Of Football and he got Ablett, Williams, Bolton, Rob Hawkins and signed Bruce Lindner in early 1984 after Lindners' stellar performance in the SANFL Grand FInal for West Adelaide in 1983.
Back in 1983, Bruce Lindner was compared to Peter Bosustow.
The funny part about Bruce Lindner was he wore his SANFL State of Origin Jumper at training after a state game!!
IN conclusion, the Cats would have won a couple of flags in the 80s with Stephen Michael, Greg Williams, Ablett Senior, Sidebottom and Brian Peake in the side.
At the time, we did not have a good CEO to run the ship. THank God, Brian Cook came to Geelong and the rest is history!!
THE GOVERNOR